Digging out this bamboo clump

[doubravsky]

This is a clump of Bambusa Oldhamii. I've finally come to the reluctant realization that the spot is too small... so I gotta dig it out. I figured out quickly it was not going to be easy. Any suggestions?

[southlatropical]

Sawzall and prybar are the recomended tools for digging up clumpers. Section the rootball with the sawzall, dig around the clump, and begin to work the sections out with the prybar. I'm talking about a big, long heavy prybar AKA 'pinchbar'. Standing over the clump, stab downward breaking through the roots and prying the sections apart. Getting that clump out in one piece would likely require all day digging followed by pulling it out with a truck.

[southlatropical]

Here is a tutorial.

http://www.texasbamboosociety.net/bamboo_r...ter/image8.html

[southlatropical]

When it comes time for me to take divisions of my clumpers I plan to make a wide edged prybar out of pipe and plate steel at my dads welding shop.

[yachtingone]

Dave, I have a spud bar you can barrow to get that clump out. It should do the job quickly. P.M. or call me if your intrested. Regards, Randy

[Mark_NoVA]

No experience with big clumpers like that, but for running bamboo and digging out shrubs and small trees, and digging through tree roots, a solid-steel spade is great, you can bang on it and use it like a crowbar: http://www.amleo.com/index/item.cgi?cmd=view&Words=ks12l

Here is a steel spade with a ram on it, designed for bamboo: http://www.midatlanticbamboo.com/bamboo-sp...amboo-spade.htm

[John Case]

Single culm divisions in oldhamii should do well if you get enough root attached directly to the culm.

Work from the edges in and you may have some divisions that you can trade as oldhamii, while common, is still a generally desirable plant.

You now know how fast it grows and how much space you need, you might be able to hedge it if you have the need.

Good luck. Digging bamboo is true work.

[doubravsky]

Thanks for the advice! Bepah... you're right.. the clump actually came from a single culm division.

I tried the sawz-all... but my blade was a little short and dull. Gotta get another blade. Then I thought of the cheap electric chainsaw I bought before abandoning and getting a ice 14" Echo and using that for carving. So I trottedf that out, and it worked well for about two culms, then the chain was totally worn down. But I got about 30% of it out. Raining now... I guess it's next weekend's job. Randy... I'll give you a call.

[MattyB]

Dave, Paul had to dig up his clump of B. beechiana with 3" + culms. It was a nightmare. He had problems with the sawsall and a chainsaw not being strong enough. So his dad drilled a series of holes through sections of the rhizomes, essentially perforating it, then they went back in a cut between perforations. It was very slow going and they could only do a little section at a time. Good luck.

[southlatropical]

This is going to be one of those deals when it's all done where you will say to yourself "This will be a little easier next time, now that I've done it once." Just like laying tile or doing a brake job on your own car for the first time. Too bad we don't live near each other. I would have come and dug it in exchange for a couple of divisions. I just ordered two Bambusa sp. 'Hirose' which some believe is a variant of Oldhamii. It is going out in the back of my property with lots of room.

[Walter John]

Always lessons to be had with palms and bamboo, oldhamii is surprisingly large when it gets going.

Here's one description from a local bamboo nursery:

Oldhamii is a great all round bamboo if you have the room. It grows too big between 2 houses on small blocks, but on larger blocks and acreage it is a wonderful bamboo! Grows very quickly, very erect and lush, will block out the neighbours in 6-12 months and can easily block out a 3 story window. The shoots are edible and the poles are very strong.